My Beauty Life: Sophie Ellis-Bextor

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Singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor on her mother's stage make-up, her beauty ethos and the icon that inspires her look

'My mum did a lot of theatre when I was little and I would get really excited by her stage make-up. I loved all the bright colours and the theatrical smell of it. Even now I have a lot of similar stuff in my kit because the smell reminds me of that time.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor on the cover of her new album "Wanderlust"

When it comes to make-up, my ethos is that you should try things out and not be afraid. I'd like to think I've never done my make-up the same way twice, but my secret is to use a copper-tinted blush to add a glow. There are so many possibilities so I try to keep it fresh and interesting.

Ellis Bextor's beauty icon, P J Harvey

Make-up is a brilliant tool, with the ability to transform and give a confidence boost. If you look good, you feel good. I admire flamboyant people who really go for it. My beauty icon is PJ Harvey, who I saw perform years ago. On stage she wore an amazing catsuit and fuchsia-pink lipstick. It was so cool.'